On the fourth of July, the colonists declared that they would be free from the rule of mother Britain. Yes, the colonies would operate together as one, yet independent of British rule. 
However, it seems that every since this declaration the size of the unit of independence keeps growing smaller. What do I mean? Well on the first fourth of July, the colonists pledged to walk free of England, yet together as colonies. But ever since, the common understanding of independence has become intensely individually. It is no longer about one community breaking free from another, but each individual standing alone. Yes despite much community language in the founding documents, the forming principle of America today is lauded individualism. Each man and women seeks to declare independence from each and ever other person. The we has given way to the I.
And such an idea stands against our created nature and the orders God has instituted to preserve it. We are made to be a people dependent on one another. God has said, “It is not good that man be alone.†And therefore he has created institution after institution to deliver the gift of dependence upon his creation. Marriage that man and woman might not remain isolated. Family that all might be born into community. Civilization in order that the fruit of togetherness might grow.
Also so in his Church. Baptized into a family. Gathered together with that family at the altar to meet the Father as we dine with the Son. Constantly surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.
We may as Americans like in society and in church to declare individual independence, but such a thought begins as an illusion and ends in idolatry.
First, no one truly stands alone. Not no even the alpha male or the idealized independent woman can truly operate in any way isolated from their common humanity. And no Christian stands alone either. It is simply not possible due to our created nature and our recreated reality. Just try to to live today using only things you alone created.
But the real problem is that most generally those who treasure the illusion of independence end up as idolaters. For it is a short trip from believing one can do everything by themselves to simply sitting down and admiring one’s reflection in a mirror, figurative or literal. To declare independence in this way leaves one ultimately quite alone.
So on this day, let us not get carried away with the idea of independence thinking ourselves men and women unto ourselves. Let us rejoice in the gift of dependence given to all. Let us revel in the places God puts us together both as his creation and by his grace as church. Let us confess the idolatry of self that we might have the joy of community.
